Starting today, senior journalism major – and carnivore – Dante Geoffrey will begin a month-long journey of being vegan. In other words, he will be banned from eating anything that contains animal products including all meats, eggs and dairy. As I am vegan, and feel dramatically different since becoming vegan – more energy, better digestion, better skin and more – Dante is curious to see if being vegan, even if only for a month, can do the same for him.

From today until April 9, Dante will write down everything he eats every day. Beginning March 16, we will post a food record every Friday, along with a “Meal of the Week” photo and a weekly statement from Dante in which he will describe his experiences – physically and socially – as he practices a vegan lifestyle.

Let’s make something clear: This challenge is not only about being vegan, but also about learning to make healthier, more satisfying food choices. Therefore, Dante will not only eat animal-free, but he will also focus on maintaining a healthier diet by consuming mostly plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and nuts.

This was Dante’s last carnivorous meal for a month. It is a barbecue chicken sandwich with a side of fries, and it was eaten last night at Jack’s Urban Eats on Fair Oaks Boulevard. 

Dante has answered questions to help us become familiar with his personality, general diet and how he feels about this challenge. At the end of this month-long process, we will ask Dante similar questions – and a few others – to see what has changed.

Dante Geoffrey is a 24-year-old male. He stands 6-foot-one (and possibly another half inch) and 170 pounds. He is a journalism major who enjoys writing, sports, writing about sports, all things comedy, Earwolf, most cats and beer.

What excites you most about this challenge?

You’re assuming I’m excited about this challenge… Actually, I am excited. I’m excited to put to the test all of the things I’ve heard about the benefits of vegetarian and vegan eating. I’m excited to see if I do feel more energetic, if I have a new zest for life, if my skin glows, and if I have an increased sex drive. I kinda hope the latter doesn’t happen; I just don’t have the time.

What do you think the hardest part about being vegan will be?

I’m worried I won’t be able to stay full. I tried going on a very hardcore diet before, and I was constantly hungry. I don’t eat much pasta or bread (and I don’t plan to change that now) so I’m wondering where my satisfying full feeling is going to come from.

What does your average breakfast consist of?

To be honest, I often skip breakfast. Well, no, that’s not true. I just often eat it at noon. My sleep schedule is nothing to be proud of so I’m rarely eating my first meal in the morning. When I do eat a proper breakfast it’s normally cereal and an avocado, or smoked salmon and an avocado, or just a protein shake. And an avocado. I really like avocados.

What does your average lunch consist of?

Lately, it’s been pretty embarrassing. Lots of quick to-go food like burritos and Panda Express. When I eat lunch at home I eat things like tuna and crackers, maybe some baby carrots, maybe some frozen turkey patties.

What does your average dinner consist of?

Answering these questions makes me realize I have no idea what I eat. I’m not sure what I eat for dinner. More tuna, possibly? I will have four to five cookies if my sister brought my mom’s delicious cookies home. Sometimes frozen turkey patties. So yea, pretty exciting.

What is the one animal-based food you think will be the hardest to give up this month?

Lamb skin condoms. Oh wait, you said food. Um, I guess chicken. I know it’s a boring, vague answer, but that’s my go-to meat, especially when I’m out at restaurants.

This week Dante took a grocery shopping trip in search of healthy and satisfying vegan food. This is the bulk of goodies he ended up with. A big difference from the barbeque sandwich and fries above, right? This is going to be fun. 

Janice Daniels and Dante Geoffrey can be reached at [email protected]